Richie McCaw makes his first appearance this season on the bench for the Crusaders’ clash against the Sharks on Friday.

McCaw was set to return against the Blues next week, but head coach Todd Blackadder sent a SOS to the All Blacks skipper after their shock defeat against the Reds last Friday.

Blackadder has also rushed lock Brad Thorn and prop Wyatt Crockett back into action, after previously saying he would ease the All Blacks duo back into the starting line-up as Thorn had a hectic season last year and Crockett suffered an ankle injury during the pre-season.